Cuticular studies on the fossil leaves from Churia (Siwalik) sediments of Arjun Khola Sequence, western Nepal

Abstract

Two fossil leaf impressions along with their cuticle, collected from Middle Siwalik (Upper Miocene) sediments of Arjun Khola Sequence, about 3 km north-west of Lamhi in Deokhuri District of western Nepal, have been identified on the basis of their morphological and cuticular features. They resemble closely with the modern taxa. Sterculia coccinea Jack. and Diospyros toposia Ham. of the Sterculiaceae and Ebenaceae respectively. The present distribution of the modern equivalent taxa of the fossils and the presence of fungal spores in their cuticle collectively indicate the prevalence of warm humid climate in the area during Upper Miocene.